System for coupling roller shade tubes

ABSTRACT

A coupler assembly for coupling first and second roller tubes together includes first and second side assemblies. The first side assembly includes a clutch mechanism having first and second clutch members supported on a shaft for movement between a closed clutch condition in which the roller tubes rotate simultaneously and an opened clutch condition in which the tubes are uncoupled for relative rotation. The clutch mechanism includes a clutch drive member preferably including an elongated bar slidably received in an elongated groove defined on an exterior surface of the shaft. The clutch drive member may include a lug received in an interior of the second clutch member to apply a pulling force to the second clutch member. Alternatively, the clutch drive member may include a thrust member contacting the second clutch member to apply a pushing force.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/361,900, filed Feb. 24, 2006, which is a continuationapplication of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/691,850, filed Oct.23, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,051,782. The entire disclosures of bothapplications are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to motorized roller shades. Moreparticularly, the present invention relates to a system for couplingmultiple roller shade tubes together for rotation by the same drivesystem.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Motorized roller shade systems include a flexible shade fabric windinglyreceived on a roller tube. The roller tube is supported for rotationabout a central axis and is driven by a drive system motor to wind theshade fabric.

Roller shade systems having separate roller tubes secured together forsimultaneous rotation are known. The roller tubes are rotatablysupported such that the central axes of the tubes are substantiallyaligned. The tubes of known shade roller systems are fastened togetherto transfer rotation of one of the tubes, provided by the drive systemmotor, to the other one of the tubes.

The space occupied by the fastening elements securing roller tubes ofknown shade systems creates a gap between the ends of the tubes. Acorresponding gap, therefore, is also created between the associatedshade fabrics wound onto the roller tubes. Reduction in the spaceoccupied by the tube fastening structure in a multiple-tube shadesystem, therefore, is desirable for limiting potential light gapsbetween shade fabrics supported by the tubes.

The assembly of the fastening structure for multiple-tube shade systemscan be difficult and time-consuming, and may require the use of aspecific tool, or tools. Also, the steps involved in fastening thetubes, and in mounting the multiple-tube roller shade to its supportingstructure, may render assembly and installation of the roller shadeimpractical or impossible in applications where only limited clearanceis provided.

When position adjustment of one of the shade fabrics of a knownmultiple-tube shade system is desired, either the tubes must beunfastened to allow for relative rotation between the tubes or the shadefabric must be removed from the associated tube and re-attached. Theprocedures and time required for unfastening the tubes of a knownmultiple-tube shade system, therefore, tends to deter a user fromadjusting shade position by unfastening the tubes. A multiple-tube shadesystem having a construction that facilitates uncoupling of the tubesfor relative rotation to adjust shade fabric position is desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the invention, a coupler assembly is providedfor coupling first and second roller tubes together for simultaneousrotation of the roller tubes. The coupler assembly comprises a firstside assembly adapted to rotatingly support the first roller tube and asecond side assembly adapted to rotatingly support the second rollertube. Each of the first side assembly and the second side assemblyincludes a shaft. The shafts of the first and second side assemblies areadapted for attachment to each other for simultaneous rotation of theshafts.

The first side assembly includes a clutch mechanism movable between aclosed clutch condition in which the first and second roller tubes arecoupled for simultaneous rotation and an opened clutch condition inwhich the first and second roller tubes are uncoupled for relativerotation between the first and second roller tubes. The clutch mechanismincludes first and second clutch members adapted to engage each otherfor torque transfer between the first and second clutch members when theclutch mechanism is in the closed condition. The first clutch member isrotationally coupled to the first roller such that the first clutchmember rotates with the first roller and the second clutch member isrotationally coupled to the shaft such that the second clutch memberrotates with the shaft. The clutch mechanism includes a clutch drivemember adapted to drive the second clutch member axially with respect tothe shaft when the clutch mechanism is moved to the opened clutchcondition such that the first and second are separated from each otherto provide for relative rotation between the first and second clutchmembers.

According to one embodiment, the clutch drive member includes anelongated bar adapted to slide along an exterior surface of the shaft ofthe first side assembly. The clutch drive member may include a lugadapted for receipt within an interior of the second clutch member forapplying a pulling force to the second clutch member. Alternatively, theclutch drive member may include a thrust member adapted to contact asurface of the second clutch member for applying a pushing force to thesecond clutch member.

According to another aspect of the invention, a shade roller systemcomprises first and second elongated roller tubes each windinglysupporting a flexible shade fabric and a tube support assemblysupporting the first and second roller tubes. The tube support assemblyis rotatably mounted to a fixed support for rotation of the first andsecond roller tubes about an axis of rotation. The tube support assemblyincludes a clutch mechanism having first and second clutch members. Thefirst clutch member is coupled to the first roller tube such that thefirst clutch member rotates with the first roller tube about the axis ofrotation.

The clutch mechanism is adapted for movement between a closed clutchcondition and an opened clutch condition. The first and second clutchmembers engage each other in the closed clutch condition for torquetransfer therebetween such that the first and second roller tubes arecoupled together for simultaneous rotation about the axis of rotation.The first and second clutch members are disengaged from each other inthe opened clutch condition such that relative rotation between thefirst and second roller tubes is permitted.

According to one embodiment, the tube support assembly includes a shaftsupported for rotation about the axis of rotation and each of the firstand second clutch members defines an opening in which the shaft isreceived. The second clutch member slides axially along the shaft todisengage the second clutch member from the first clutch member when theclutch mechanism is moved to the opened clutch condition.

According to another embodiment, the clutch mechanism of the tubesupport assembly includes a clutch drive member contacting the secondclutch member to drive the second clutch member between the closed andopened condition of the clutch mechanism. The clutch drive member mayinclude a lug received within an interior of the second clutch member toapply a pulling force to the second clutch member. Alternatively, theclutch drive member may include a thrust member adapted to contact asurface of the second clutch member for applying a pushing force to thesecond clutch member.

According to another aspect of the invention, a motorized shade systemis provided. The motorized shade system comprises a plurality ofelongated roller tubes each having opposite end portions. The rollertubes are substantially aligned along a common axis of rotation andarranged to define at least one pair of adjacently located tube endportions. Each of the roller tubes is adapted for winding receipt of aflexible shade fabric.

The motorized shade system also comprises a drive system including amotor operably engaged with one of the roller tubes for rotating theroller tube about the common axis of rotation and a mounting assemblyfor each pair of tube end portions. The mounting assembly includes firstand second tube support assemblies respectively engaging a first tubeend portion and a second tube end portion of the pair of tube endportions and adapted to rotatably support the tube end portion. Thefirst and second tube support assemblies are secured together to providefor simultaneous rotation of the associated roller tubes.

The first tube support assembly of each mounting assembly includes aclutch mechanism having first and second clutch members and adapted formovement between a closed clutch condition and an opened clutchcondition. The first and second clutch members are adapted to engageeach other for torque transfer therebetween when the clutch mechanism isin the closed condition. The first clutch member is rotationally coupledto the first tube end portion such that the first clutch member rotateswith the first roller. The second clutch member is rotationally coupledto a shaft of the first tube support assembly such that the secondclutch member rotates with the shaft. The clutch mechanism includes aclutch drive member adapted to drive the second clutch member axiallywith respect to the shaft of the first tube assembly when the clutchmechanism is moved to the opened clutch condition such that the firstand second are separated from each other to provide for relativerotation between the first and second clutch members.

According to one embodiment, the clutch drive member includes anelongated bar adapted to slide along an exterior surface of the shaft ofthe first side assembly. The clutch drive member may include a lugadapted for receipt within an interior of the second clutch member forapplying a pulling force to the second clutch member. Alternatively, theclutch drive member may include a thrust member adapted to contact asurface of the second clutch member for applying a pushing force to thesecond clutch member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of a motorized roller shade according the presentinvention including multiple roller tubes coupled together for rotationby the same drive system.

FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the roller shade of FIG. 1showing coupled ends of two roller tubes shown without the removablecover.

FIG. 3 is a partial section view of the roller shade of FIG. 1 showingthe coupler assembly joining two roller tubes.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the coupler assembly of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the first side of the coupler assemblyof FIG. 4 removed from the roller shade system and shown without thetube end rotational fitting and mounting plate set.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the coupler first side of FIG.5.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the coupler first side of FIG. 5 showing theclutch mechanism in its closed condition.

FIG. 8 is a section view of the coupler first side of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a side view of the coupler first side of FIG. 5 showing theclutch mechanism in its opened condition.

FIG. 10 is a section view of the coupler first side of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the coupler assembly first side andassociated roller tube of FIG. 3 shown removed from the roller shadesystem and without the set of mounting plates.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the second side of the coupler assemblyof FIG. 4 removed from the bracket structure and shown without the tubeend rotational fitting.

FIG. 13 is a section view of the coupler second side of FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view showing the shafts of thecoupler first and second sides and the shaft connector of the couplerassembly of FIG. 3.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the second side of the coupler assemblyof FIG. 4 removed from the bracket structure and showing the set ofmounting plates separated from the tube-end fitting.

FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of the bracket structure of thecoupler assembly of FIG. 4.

FIG. 17 is a partial perspective view of a roller shade coupler assemblyaccording to a second embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 18 is a sectional view of the roller shade coupler assembly of FIG.17 shown engaging an adjacent pair of roller tubes.

FIG. 19 is a perspective of a first side of the coupler assembly of FIG.17 removed from a bracket assembly of the coupler assembly and shownwithout a tube end rotational fitting and a mounting plate set.

FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view of the first side of the couplerassembly of FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is a side view of the first side of the coupler assembly of FIG.19, shown with a clutch mechanism of the first side in a closedcondition.

FIG. 22 is a side sectional view of the first side of the couplerassembly of FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 is a side view of the first side of the coupler assembly of FIG.19, shown with the clutch mechanism of the first side in an openedcondition.

FIG. 24 is a side sectional view of the first side of the couplerassembly of FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a second side of the coupler assemblyof FIG. 17 removed from the bracket assembly of the coupler assembly andshown without a tube end rotational fitting and a mounting plate set.

FIG. 26 is a side sectional view of the second side of the couplerassembly of FIG. 25 shown without a cotter pin received by a shaft ofthe second side.

FIG. 27 is an exploded perspective view showing the shafts of the firstand second sides of the coupler assembly of FIG. 17 and the cotter pinof the coupler assembly for interconnecting the shafts.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a roller shade having a roller couplerassembly according to a third embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 29 is sectional view of the roller shade of FIG. 28.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the roller coupler assembly of FIG. 28.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a first side of the roller couplerassembly of FIG. 30.

FIG. 32 is an exploded perspective view of the first side of the rollercoupler assembly of FIG. 31 and a roller tube.

FIG. 33 is a side view of the first side of the roller coupler assemblyof FIG. 30, shown with a clutch mechanism of the first side in a closedcondition.

FIG. 34 is a side sectional view of the first side of the roller couplerassembly of FIG. 33.

FIG. 35 is a side view of the first side of the roller coupler assemblyof FIG. 30, shown with a clutch mechanism of the first side in an openedcondition.

FIG. 36 is a side sectional view of the first side of the roller couplerassembly of FIG. 35.

FIG. 37 is a perspective view of a second side of the roller couplerassembly of FIG. 30.

FIG. 38 is a side sectional view of the second side of the rollercoupler assembly of FIG. 30.

FIG. 39 is an exploded perspective view of the second side of the rollercoupler assembly of FIG. 30.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring to the drawings, where like numerals identify like elements,there is illustrated in FIG. 1 a motorized roller shade system 10according to the present invention. The roller shade system 10 ismounted to the wall of a structure adjacent a window frame 12. Theroller shade system 10 includes three shade fabrics 14 separately woundonto three roller tubes 16. The roller tubes 16 are rotatably supportedabove the window frame 12 by bracket structure 18 located at theopposite ends of the roller shade system 10 and bracket structure 20located between the roller tubes 16. The roller shade system 10 includesa motor 22 for rotating the roller tubes 16 to wind and unwind theassociated shade fabrics 14. The motor 22 of the drive system is shownschematically in FIG. 1 within an end of one of the roller tubes 16 in aknown manner adjacent the right-hand end of the roller shade system 10.

The present invention provides for rotatable support of adjacentlylocated end portions of the roller tubes 16 and interconnectiontherebetween. The interconnection provided between the roller tubes 16desirably provides for simultaneous rotation of the multiple rollertubes 16 by the motor 22. As described below in greater detail, thepresent invention also facilitates optional uncoupling between theadjacently located ends of the roller tubes 16 to provide for relativerotation between the roller tubes. Such relative rotation desirablyprovides for adjustment of the position of a lower end 26 of one or moreof the shade fabrics 14, for example, without requiring that the shadefabric 14 be removed from the associated roller tube 16 or that theroller tube be removed from the roller shade system 10.

Referring to FIGS. 1-4, the coupling system of the present inventionincludes coupler assemblies 24 located between adjacent ends of theroller tubes 16. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the coupler assembly 24provides for tube engagement and rotational support with only minimalclearance required between the tubes 16. This construction desirablyprovides for minimization of the distance, d_(g), between the side edgesof adjacent shade fabrics 14 wound onto the respective roller tubes 16of the roller shade system 10.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, there is shown a portion of the roller shadesystem 10 of FIG. 1 that includes one of the coupler assemblies 24joining adjacent roller tubes 16. The coupler assembly 24 is shownwithout the removable cover 28 for clarity of view. The coupler assembly24 includes first and second sides 30, 32 secured together for torquetransfer therebetween. As shown, each of the first and second couplersides 30, 32 is received by an end of the one of the roller tubes 16such that a portion is located within an interior defined by the rollertube 16.

The first and second sides 30, 32 of the coupler assembly 24respectively include drive transfer members 34, 36. Each of the drivetransfer members 34, 36 is preferably made from a resilient materialsuch as rubber and is dimensioned for engagement with an inner surfacedefined by the associated roller tube 16. The engagement between thedrive transfer members 34, 36 and the roller tubes 16 provides fortorque transfer between the roller tubes 16 and the coupler assembly 24.Rotation of one of the coupled roller tubes 16, by the drive system ofroller shade system 10 for example, will be transferred through thecoupler assembly 24 resulting in rotation of the other of the coupledroller tubes 16.

The first and second sides 30, 32 of coupler assembly 24 includetube-end fittings 38, 40, respectively. The tube-end fittings 38, 40connect the roller tubes 16 to the bracket structure 20 and provide forrotatable support of the tubes. Each of the tube-end fittings 38, 40includes inner and outer portions 42, 44, which are rotatable withrespect to each other. The outer portion 44 of each tube-end fitting 38,40 engages the inner surface of the associated roller tube 16 anddefines an annular shoulder that contacts an end of the roller tube 16to limit receipt of the tube-end fitting 38, 40 within the interior ofthe tube. As described in greater detail below, the inner portion 42 ofeach tube-end fitting 38,40 engages a set 46 of mounting plates, whichare in turn secured to the bracket structure 20 by fasteners 48.

The first and second sides 30, 32 of the coupler assembly 24 includeshafts 50, 52 respectively, including end portions 54, 56. As shown inFIG. 3, the shafts 50, 52 are received by the tube-end fittings 38, 40such that the end portions 54, 56 of each of the shafts 50,52 extendsfrom an end of the associated tube-end fitting 38, 40 opposite the drivetransfer members 34, 36, respectively. The end portion 54 of the firstside shaft 50 is adapted to receive the end portion 56 of the secondside shaft 52 and is secured thereto by a hairpin cotter pin 58 receivedby both shaft end portions 54, 56. As described in greater detail below,the connection between the shaft end portions 54, 56 provides for torquetransfer between the first and second sides 30, 32 of the couplerassembly 24.

As described above, the present invention provides for optionaluncoupling of the multiple roller tubes 16 of the roller shade system 10for relative rotation therebetween. Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, thecoupler assembly 24 includes a clutch mechanism 60, which provides forthe optional uncoupling of the multiple roller tubes 16 of roller shadesystem 10. The first side 30 of the coupler assembly 24 is shown removedfrom the bracket structure 20 and without the associated tube-endfitting 38 and mounting plate set 46 to facilitate description of theclutch mechanism 60. The clutch mechanism 60 includes a face-gear 62having first and second halves 64, 66 each defining teeth 68 about aperiphery thereof. The teeth 68 of the first and second face-gear halves64, 66 are dimensioned for engagement and torque transfer therebetweenwhen the face-gear 62 is in the closed condition shown in FIG. 5.

The first half 64 of face-gear 62 is secured to the first side drivetransfer member 34 by threaded fasteners 70 and a retainer bracket 72.The fasteners 70 are received through aligned openings 74, 76 of theface-gear first half 64 and drive transfer member 34, respectively, toengage openings 78 in the retainer bracket 72. The face-gear first half64 includes a substantially cylindrical collar portion 80 defining abore in which the first side shaft 50 is received. The face-gear firsthalf 64 is restrained against longitudinal movement with respect to thefirst side shaft 50 by split-ring retainers 82, 84 received in spacedcircumferential recesses 86, 88 formed in the outer surface of the firstside shaft 50. The face-gear second half 66 also includes asubstantially cylindrical collar portion 90 defining a bore 91 thatreceives the first side shaft 50.

Referring to FIGS. 7-10, the clutch mechanism 60 is shown in its closedcondition providing torque transfer of the associated roller tubes 16and its opened condition providing for optional uncoupling of the rollertube 16 and relative rotation therebetween. The clutch mechanism 60includes a pull rod 92 and a draw pin 94, which provide for longitudinalmovement of the face-gear second half 66 with respect to the first sideshaft 50. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, the draw pin 94 is received inopenings 96, 98, 100 respectively provided in the collar portion 90 ofthe face-gear second half 66, in the first side shaft 50 and in the pullrod 92. Preferably, as shown in FIG. 8, the openings 96, 98 includealigned openings on each of opposite sides of the face-gear second half66 and the first side shaft 50. The openings 98 in the first side shaft50 define elongated slots providing for translation of the draw pin 94with respect to the first side shaft 50 for movement of the face-gearsecond half 66 between the closed and opened positions for the face gear62.

The clutch mechanism 60 includes a face-gear biasing spring 102 receivedon the first side shaft 50. The biasing spring 102 is located betweenthe collar portion 90 of the face-gear second half 66 and a thrustwasher 104 translatably received by the first side shaft 50.Longitudinal movement of the thrust washer 104 with respect to the firstside shaft 50 is limited by a split-ring retainer 106 received in alongitudinal recess 108 formed in the outer surface of the first sideshaft 50. The face-gear biasing spring 102 reacts against the thrustwasher 104 and split-ring retainer 106 to apply a biasing force to theface-gear second half 66 tending to maintain the face gear 62 in theclosed condition shown in FIGS. 7 and 8.

The first side shaft 50 and the pull rod 92 of clutch mechanism 60further include openings 110, 112, respectively, located adjacent an endof the first side shaft 50 and the pull rod 92 opposite from theopenings 98, 100 discussed above. In a similar fashion to openings 98,the openings 110 of the first side shaft 50 define elongated slots andare preferably located on each of opposite sides of the shaft 50.

Referring again to FIGS. 3 and 4, the respective openings 110, 112 ofthe first side shaft 50 and the pull rod 92 are located between an end114 of the associated roller tube 16 and the set 46 of mounting plates.A space is provided between the roller tube end 114 and the set 46 ofmounting plates. As shown in FIG. 1, the inner portion 42 of the firstside tube-end fitting 38 provides an access area 116. As shown, theopenings 110, 112 in the first side shaft 50 and the pull rod 92 arepresented in the access area 116 during rotation of the associatedroller tube 16.

The above-described construction desirably provides for relativerotation between the multiple roller tubes 16 in an uncomplicated andrapid manner as follows. The access provided to the openings 110, 112allows for insertion of an elongated release tool 118, such as ascrewdriver for example, into the opening 112 of the pull rod 92 formoving the pull rod 92 and the connected face-gear second half 66. Theelongated release tool 118 is shown schematically in FIGS. 8 and 10inserted into the opening 112 of pull rod 92. Application of force tothe pull rod 92 sufficient to overcome the biasing force applied by theface-gear biasing spring 102 causes longitudinal movement of theface-gear second half 66 with respect to shaft 50 to the opened positionshown in FIG. 10. This movement separates the face-gear halves 64, 66,and the associated teeth 68, from each other allowing for relativerotation between the face gear halves 64, 66 and, therefore, between thepair of roller tubes 16 otherwise coupled together by the couplerassembly 24.

The coupler assembly first side 30 also includes a locator spring 120received on the first side shaft 50 between a pair of thrust washers122, 124. As shown in FIG. 3, the thrust washer 122 contacts thesplit-ring retainer 106 opposite the thrust washer 104 provided forface-gear biasing spring 102. Thrust washer 124 contacts the innerportion 42 of the first side tube-end fitting 38. Another thrust washer126 is received on the first side shaft 50 and is located outside of thefirst side tube-end fitting 38 to contact an end surface 128 of theassociated inner portion 42. A split-ring retainer 130 is received in acircumferential recess 132 in the first side shaft 50 adjacent the shaftend portion 54. The thrust washer 126 and split-ring retainer 130 limitremoval of the first side tube-end fitting 38 from the first side shaft50. The locator spring 120 reacts against the thrust washer 122 and theinner portion 42 of the first side tube-end fitting 38 to bias the firstside shaft 50 with respect to the tube-end fitting 38. As an alternativeto locator spring 120, the coupler assembly first side 30 could includea thrust washer, contacting an end of the tube-end fitting 38 oppositethe thrust washer 126, and a split-ring retainer received in a recess infirst side shaft 50 to limit translation of tube-end fitting 38.

Referring to FIG. 12, the second side 32 of the coupler assembly 24 isshown removed from the coupler assembly 24 and without the second sidetube-end fitting 40 and mounting plate set 46. In FIG. 12, the hairpincotter pin 58 is shown engaged with the end portion 56 of the secondside shaft 52. As described below in greater detail, however, to securethe first and second shafts 50, 52 together as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4,the hairpin cotter pin 58 is received by both end portions 54, 56 of thefirst and second side shafts 50, 52. The coupler assembly second side 32includes a drive transfer mount 134, which receives an end 136 of thesecond side shaft 52 and is secured to the shaft by a pin 138. As shownin FIGS. 3 and 12, the drive transfer mount 134 is received within aninterior defined by the second drive transfer member 36 and is retainedtherein by opposite peripheral ledges 140 defined by the drive transfermember 36. As described above, the drive transfer member 36 ispreferably made from a resilient rubber material. Preferably, the drivetransfer mount 134 is made from a relatively rigid plastic material. Theresilient nature of the drive transfer member 36 facilitates insertionof the relatively rigid drive transfer mount 134 within the interiordefined by the drive transfer member 36.

Referring to FIG. 14, the first shaft end portion 54 includes oppositefaceted sides 142 each including an opening 144. The second shaft endportion 56 includes a curved wall 146 in the form of a partial cylindersuch that an access opening 148 is defined by the shaft end portion 56.Aligned openings 150 are formed in the curved wall 146 of second shaftend portion 56. As illustrated by the dashed lines, the first shaft endportion 54 is received by the second shaft end portion 56 such that theopenings 144, 150 are aligned with each other. The hairpin cotter pin58, which is preferably a cotter pin, is received through the alignedopenings 144, 150 to secure the shafts 50, 52 to each other.

The use of a hairpin cotter pin to connect the shaft end portions 54, 56is not required. It is conceivable that shaft connectors of variousconstruction could be received through the aligned openings 144, 150formed in the shaft end portions 54, 56 to secure them together. The useof the hairpin cotter pin 58, however, which includes two leg portions152, 154 and a curved return portion 156 provides a useful visual aidfor orienting the shafts 50, 52 for insertion of the elongated releasetool 118 for opening the clutch mechanism 60. As described above, thefirst side shaft 50 includes two slotted openings 110 located oppositelyfrom each other on the first side shaft 50. Therefore, the pull rodopening 112 will be presented in the access area 116 shown in FIG. 11with every 180 degrees of rotation of the associated roller tube 16.Referring to FIG. 4, the elongated, and non-symmetric, shape of thehairpin cotter pin 58 facilitates rapid determination of the angularposition of the shafts 50, 52 without requiring proximity to the couplerassembly 24 for a close examination of the access area 116.

The shafts 50, 52 of the first and second sides 30, 32 are shown in FIG.14 separated from each other in a longitudinal direction with respect tothe shafts. It should be understood, however, that the above describedconstruction, which includes faceted sides 142 for shaft end portion 54and an access opening 148 in shaft end portion 56, also provides forinsertion of shaft end portion 54 in a transverse direction with respectto the shafts 50, 52. Such optional transverse receipt of shaft endportion 54 by shaft end portion 56 desirably provides for assembly anddisassembly of the coupler assembly 24 in limited clearanceinstallations where an in-line assembly in a longitudinal direction iseither impractical or impossible.

Referring to FIG. 15, the second side 32 of the coupler assembly 24 isshown removed from the coupler assembly and with the set 46 of mountingplates separated from the tube-end fitting 40. The set 46 of mountingplates includes first and second plates 158, 160. A similar set 46 ofmounting plates is provided for the first side 30 of the couplerassembly 24. The first plate 158 includes spaced side portions 162interconnected by a top portion 164. The spacing of the side portions162 provides for receipt of the first plate 158 in opposite notches 166defined by the inner portion 42 of the associated tube-end fitting 38,40. The second plate 160 includes spaced side portions 168 and top andbottom portions 170, 172 interconnecting the side portions 168 to definea rectangular opening 174. The rectangular opening 174 receives theinner portion 42 of the associated tube-end fitting 38,40 and shaft 50,52. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first and second plates 158, 160 ofeach mounting plate set 46 are adapted for placement in a stackedrelationship and are secured to the bracket structure 20 by theabove-identified fasteners 48.

Referring again to FIG. 15, the second plate 160 of each mounting plateset 46 includes a support panel 176 connected to the bottom portion 172and oriented substantially perpendicular thereto. A vertical adjustmentmember 178 includes an elongated shaft portion 180 threadedly engagingthe inner portion 42 of the associated tube-end fitting 38, 40. Anenlarged head portion 182 of the vertical adjustment member 178 rests onthe support panel 176 of the second plate 160. The head portion 182contacts an opening 184 provided in the support panel 176 in a nestingmanner. A tab projection 186 connected to the second plate top portion170 is located adjacent a curved part 188 of the first plate top portion164. A terminal end portion 190 of the vertical adjustment member 178opposite the head portion 182 is located between the curved part 188 ofthe first plate top portion 164 and the second plate top portion 170.The location of the vertical adjustment member 178 with respect to theassociated tube-end fitting 38, 40 is varied by rotating the verticaladjustment member 178. This results in adjustment of the location of thetube-end fitting 38, 40 with respect to the mounting plate set 46 andthe bracket structure 20 to which the mounting plate set 46 is secured.

Referring to FIG. 16, the bracket structure 20 of the coupler assembly24 is shown in greater detail. The bracket structure 20 includes a basemember 192 and first and second angle brackets 194, 196. The base member192 includes openings 198 for attachment of the base member 192 to thewall of a structure, for example, using screws (not shown). Each of theangle brackets 194, 196 includes a base-connecting panel 200 and atube-support panel 202, which are oriented substantially perpendicularto each other. The base-connecting panel 200 includes opposite sideedges 204, 206. Side edge 204 forms a returned portion of thebase-connecting panel 200 received by an edge 208 of the base member 192in hook-like fashion for hanging support of the angle brackets 194, 196on the base member 192. Side edge 206 of the base-connecting panel 200is rounded for receipt of the side edge on tab projections 216 of thebase member 192, as shown in FIG. 3.

The engagement between the base-connecting panel side edges 204, 206 andthe base member 192 provides for sliding of the angle brackets 194, 196with respect to the base member 192. Screws 212 received in openings 214of the base-connecting panel adjacent the side edge 206 engage slottedopenings 218 formed in the tab projections 216 of the base member 192.The engagement provided by screws 212 limits the relative movementbetween the angle brackets 194, 196 and the base member 192.

The tube support panel 202 of each angle bracket 194, 196 includes anopening 220 for receipt of the associated shaft 50, 52 of the first andsecond tube coupler sides 30, 32. Slot openings 222 located on oppositesides of the shaft opening 220 are engaged by the fasteners 48 to securethe mounting plate sets 46 to the bracket structure 20. The inclusion ofthe slot openings 222 allows for horizontal adjustment of the locationof the plate sets 46 with respect to the bracket structure 20 and,therefore, horizontal adjustment of the shafts 50, 52.

In FIGS. 2-4, the clutch mechanism 60 is shown within the roller tube 16that is located on the left-hand side of the coupler assembly 24. Asdescribed above, the motor 22 is shown in FIG. 1 located adjacent theright-hand side of the roller shade system 10. Arranged in this manner,the roller tube 16 on the right-hand side of FIGS. 2-4 will be locatedon the motor-side of the associated coupler assembly 24. When a useractuates the clutch mechanism 60 in the above-described manner, theleft-hand side roller tube 16 opposite the motor-side of the assemblywill be released for manual rotation while the motor-side roller tube 16is held against rotation.

The number of teeth 68 provided for the first and second halves 64, 66of face-gear 62 may vary from that shown in the drawings. The use of arelatively large number of teeth in the manner shown, however, desirablyfacilitates re-engagement between the teeth 68 of the respectiveface-gear halves 64, 66 when the second face-gear half 66 is returned bythe biasing spring 102. The relatively fine-toothed construction shownin the drawings provides for meshing engagement of the teeth 68 of thefirst and second face-gear halves 64, 66 in rotational increments of 3degrees.

The force applied to the face-gear 62 by the biasing spring 102 tends tomaintain the face-gear 62 in the closed condition. This desirably servesto ensure meshing engagement between the teeth for torque transferthrough the coupler assembly 24 when simultaneous driving of multipleshades by a single drive system is desired. The roller shade system mayinclude more or fewer roller tubes than the three that are shown in thedrawings. The number of roller tubes that may be coupled together in agiven application will be limited by the torque capability of the drivesystem associated with the roller shade.

Referring to FIG. 17, there is shown a coupler assembly 224 according toa second embodiment of the invention. The coupler assembly 224 issupported by bracket structure 20 in a similar manner as couplerassembly 24. The coupler assembly 224 includes first and second sides226, 228 respectively having shafts 230, 232 secured together for torquetransfer therebetween as described below. The first and second sides226, 228 of coupler assembly 224 include drive transfer members 234, 236and tube-end fittings 238, 240.

Referring to FIG. 18, the tube-end fittings 238, 240 of coupler assembly224 are similar in construction to tube-end fittings 38, 40 of couplerassembly 24 each having inner and outer portions 242, 244 that arerotatable with respect to each other for rotatably connecting anadjacent pair of roller tubes 246, 248 to the bracket structure 20. Eachof the tube-end fittings 238, 240 engages a pair of stacked mountingplates 250, 252, which are in turn secured to the bracket structure 20by fasteners 254.

Each of the drive transfer members 234, 236 of the first and secondsides 226, 228 of coupler assembly 224 includes a central hub 256defining an opening for receipt of the associated one of the shafts 230,232 of the first and second sides 226, 228, respectively. The drivetransfer member 234 of the first side assembly 226 also functions aspart of a clutch mechanism of the first side assembly, as describedbelow in greater detail, to provide for optional disengagement betweenthe rollers 246, 248 for relative rotation therebetween. Each of thedrive transfer members 234, 236 includes a disc-like body 258 and tabs260 located on supports 262 spaced about an outer periphery of the body258. As shown, the tabs 260 are located within notches 264 defined bythe supports 262 and are arranged such that the tabs 260 extendgenerally longitudinally with respect to the associated one of theshafts 230, 232. As shown in FIG. 18, however, the tabs 260 also extendoutwardly to a slight extent in a radial direction to contact an innersurface of the associated roller tube 246, 248. Preferably, the tabs 260are adapted to flex under lateral loading to provide for an interferingcontact, and an associated frictional engagement, between the tabs 260and the roller tubes 246, 248. The roller tubes 246, 248 may also definelongitudinally extending notches adapted for receiving theperipherally-located supports 262 of the drive transfer members 234,236.

The construction of the drive transfer members 234, 236 desirablyprovides a unitary construction that may be integrally formed in aninjection molding process from a plastic material, for example. Thisconstruction differs from that of the drive transfer members 34, 36 ofcoupler assembly 24. As described above, the drive transfer members 34,36 are preferably made from a resilient rubber material. The drivetransfer member 34 is secured to the first half 64 of face-gear 62 byfasteners 70 and retainer bracket 72. The drive transfer member 36defines an interior in which a relatively rigid mount 134 is receivedand retained therein by ledges 140. The construction of the drivetransfer members 234, 236, therefore, is desirably simplified comparedto that of drive transfer members 34, 36.

Referring to FIGS. 19 through 24, the first side 226 of coupler assembly224 is shown in greater detail. To facilitate description, the firstside 226 is shown without the tube-end fitting 238 and the mountingplates 250, 252. The first side 226 includes a clutch mechanism 266 thatis adapted to provide for relative rotation between adjacent rollertubes, such as roller tubes 246, 248, of a multiple-tube shade roller.The clutch mechanism 266 includes a face-gear 268 having a first half270 and a second half 272. As discussed above, the drive transfer member234 of the first side 226 is adapted to provide torque transfer betweenthe roller 246 and the first side 226. The drive transfer member 234,however, also functions as a first clutch member of the clutch mechanism266, and, therefore, carries the first half 270 of face-gear 268. Thedrive transfer member 234, therefore, is also referred to hereinafter as“the first clutch member 234” of clutch mechanism 266. The second half272 of face-gear 270 is carried by a second clutch member 267 of clutchmechanism 266. Similar to the face-gear 62 of coupler assembly 24, eachof the first and second halves 270, 272 of face-gear 268 defines teeth274 dimensioned for interfitting engagement with the teeth 274 of theother one of the first and second halves 270, 272. The interfit betweenthe teeth 274 provides for torque transfer between the first and secondhalves 270, 272 of face-gear 268 when the clutch mechanism 266 is in aclosed condition, as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22.

The shaft 230 of first side 226 includes an annular flange 276 and acircumferential notch 278 located adjacent a first end of the shaft 230.As shown in the sectional view of FIG. 22, the shaft 230 is received inthe opening defined by the central hub 256 of the first clutch member234 such that the first clutch member 234, which carries the first half270 of face-gear 268, is located in a space defined between the flange276 and the notch 278. A split-ring retainer 280 received in the notch278 captures the first clutch member 234 in the space between the flange276 and notch 278 to limit axial movement of the first clutch member 234with respect to the shaft 230. Relative rotation between the firstclutch member 234 and the shaft 230, however, is not restrained.

The second clutch member 267 of clutch mechanism 266 includes a centralhub 282 defining an opening for receipt of the shaft 230. The shaft 230includes radially-projecting lugs 284 adjacent the flange 276 arrangedfor receipt in longitudinal grooves 286 formed on an inner surface ofthe hub 282, as shown in FIG. 22. The lugs 284 and grooves 286 areadapted such that relative rotation between the shaft 230 and the secondclutch member 267 is limited. The grooves 286 are elongated with respectto the lugs 284, however, such that the second clutch member 267 canslide axially with respect to the shaft 230. The sliding of the secondclutch member 267 in this manner provides for relative movement betweenthe first and second halves 270, 272 of face-gear 268 during movement ofthe clutch mechanism between closed and opened conditions, as describedbelow in greater detail.

Similar to the first side 30 of coupler assembly 24, the first side 226of coupler assembly 224 includes a spring 288 received by the shaft 230and contacting the second clutch member 267 of clutch mechanism 266 tobias the second clutch member 267 towards the first clutch member 234(i.e., towards the closed-condition of clutch mechanism 266). Anopposite end of the spring 288 contacts a washer 290, which in turncontacts a split-ring retainer 292 received in a circumferential notch294 in shaft 230. As shown in FIG. 18, the first side 226 of couplerassembly 224 also includes a pair of washers 296, and an associated pairof split-ring retainers 298 received in notches 300 in shaft 230 forlimiting axial movement of the tube-end fitting 238 with respect to theshaft 230.

The first side 226 of coupler assembly 224 includes a pair of draw bars302 each slidably received in a longitudinal groove 304 formed in anexterior surface of the shaft 230. The longitudinal grooves 304 arelocated on opposite sides of the shaft 230. Each of the draw bars 302includes a lug 306 at one end of the draw bar 302 such that the lug 306is received within one of the internal grooves 286 of the second clutchmember 267 adjacent one of the lugs 284 of shaft 230. Each of the drawbars 302 also includes a tool formation 308 at an opposite end definingan eye opening. The tool formation 308 is adapted to receive a toolthrough an access opening in the tube-end fitting 238 for applying apulling force to the draw bar 302. The lug 306 of draw bar 302 contactsan inner surface of the second clutch member 267 to move the secondclutch member 267 to the opened condition of clutch mechanism 266, asshown in FIGS. 23 and 24. Each of the draw bars 302 includes recessedportions 310, 312 respectively located along the draw bar 302 tofacilitate receipt of split-ring retainer 292 and one of the pair ofsplit-ring retainers 298 over the draw bar 302 in the associated notches294, 300 of shaft 230.

The location of the draw bars 302 on the exterior of the shaft 230,therefore, differs from the location of pull rod 92 of theabove-described coupler assembly 24, which is received within aninterior of shaft 50. The inclusion of lug 306 as an integral formationon the draw bar 302 also provides a simplified construction compared tocoupler assembly 24, which includes draw pin 94 received in elongatedopening 98 of shaft 50 an aligned opening 100 of pull rod 92.

Referring to FIGS. 25 and 26, the second side 228 of coupler assembly224 is shown in greater detail. To facilitate description, the secondside 228 is shown without the tube-end fitting 240 and mounting plates250, 252. The shaft 232 of second side 228 includes lugs 316 (see FIG.27) adjacent an end of the shaft 232 adapted for receipt within grooves318 defined by the drive transfer member 236, as shown in FIG. 25, suchthat relative rotation between the drive transfer member 236 and shaft232 is limited. A split-ring retainer 320 is received within acircumferential notch 322 formed in shaft 232 such that relative axialmotion between the drive transfer member 236 and shaft 232 is alsolimited. Similar to the above-described coupler assembly 24, the shaft232 of second side 228 of coupler assembly 224 includes asemi-cylindrical end portion 326 adapted for receipt of an end portion328 of shaft 230 of first side 226. The end portions 326, 328 of theshafts 232, 230 define openings adapted for alignment to receive acotter pin 330 to secure the shafts 232, 230 together.

Referring to FIGS. 28 through 30, there is shown a coupler assembly 332according to a third embodiment of the invention. The coupler assembly332 is shown in FIGS. 28 and 29 joining adjacent roller tubes 334, 336each windingly supporting a flexible shade fabric 338. The couplerassembly 332 includes first and second sides 340, 342 respectivelyengaging the roller tubes 334, 336.

Referring to FIGS. 31 through 36, the first side 340 of coupler assembly332 is shown in greater detail. The first side 340 includes a tube-endfitting 344 having an inner portion 346, an outer portion 348, and abearing 350 mounted between the inner and outer portions 346, 348 toprovide relative rotation between the inner and outer portions 346, 348.The outer portion 348 is adapted to engage roller tube 334 to transferrotation between the first side 340 of coupler assembly 332 and rollertube 334. As shown in FIG. 32, the roller tube 334 preferably includeslongitudinally-extending grooves 352 for receiving ribs 354 projectingfrom a cylindrical portion of the outer portion 348. It is not arequirement of the invention, however, that the roller tube 334 includegrooves 352 adapted for receipt of ribs 354 formed on the outer portion348. It is conceivable for example that the outer portion 348 and rollertube 334 could be adapted for a press-fit engagement for transferringrotation of the outer portion 348 of tube-end fitting 344 to rotation ofthe roller tube 334.

The inner portion 346 of tube-end fitting 344 includes a hub 356defining a central opening that receives a shaft 358 of the first side340. The shaft 358 includes a circumferential flange 360 adapted forcontact with an end of hub 356 when the inner portion 346 of tube-endfitting 344 is received on the shaft 358 as shown in FIG. 29. Asplit-ring retainer 362 is received in a circumferential groove 364defined by shaft 358 to retain the inner portion 346 of tube-end fitting344 in position axially with respect to shaft 358. The inner portion 346is secured to a mounting bracket 366 by fasteners 368 for support of thefirst side 340 of coupler assembly 332 from a support surface (e.g., awall).

The first side 340 includes a clutch mechanism 370 to provide relativerotation between roller tubes 334, 336 when the clutch mechanism 370 ismoved to an opened condition, shown in FIGS. 35 and 36, from a closedcondition, shown in FIGS. 33 and 34. The clutch mechanism 370 includes aface-gear 372 having first and second halves 374, 376 respectivelycarried by first and second clutch members 371, 373. As described below,the first clutch member 371 is preferably formed integrally as part ofthe outer portion 348 of tube-end fitting 344. Each of the halves 374,376 of face-gear 372 defines teeth 378 adapted for interfittingengagement with the teeth 378 of the other one of the halves 374, 376for torque transfer between the halves 374, 376 when the clutchmechanism 370 is in the closed condition shown in FIGS. 33 and 34. Thesecond clutch member 373 includes a body 380 having a hub 382 definingan opening for receipt of the shaft 358. The shaft 358 includes spacedlugs 384 adapted for receipt in grooves 386 defined about an innersurface of the hub 382. The receipt of the lugs 384 of shaft 358 withinthe grooves 386 of the second clutch member 373 functions to limitrelative rotation between the shaft 358 and the second clutch member373. The second clutch member 373, however, is able to slide axiallywith respect to shaft 358. The teeth 378 of the second half 376 offace-gear 372 are spaced about a periphery of the body 380 of secondclutch member 373 as shown in FIG. 32.

As discussed above, the first clutch member 371 of clutch mechanism 370is preferably integrally formed with the outer portion 348 of thetube-end fitting 344. As shown, the first half 374 of face-gear 372 isdefined by an annular end wall 388 of the outer portion 348 of tube-endfitting 344. The inclusion of the first half 374 of face-gear 372 aspart of the outer portion 348 of the tube-end fitting 344 desirablyfacilitates assembly of the first side 340 of coupler assembly 332. Asdescribed below in greater detail, the clutch mechanism 370 is adaptedto provide for movement of the second clutch member 373 with respect tothe first clutch member 371 when the clutch mechanism 370 is movedbetween the closed and opened conditions of the clutch mechanism 370.The clutch mechanism 370 includes a compression spring 390 that contactsthe second clutch member 373 at an end of the spring 390 to urge thesecond clutch member 373 towards the first clutch member 371 (i.e.,towards the closed condition of the clutch mechanism 370). The clutchmechanism 370 also includes a washer 392 contacting an opposite end ofthe compression spring 390 and a split-ring retainer 394 received in acircumferential notch 396 of the shaft 358.

In the above-described coupler assemblies 24, 224, the clutch mechanisms60, 266 include a pull rod 92 and a pair of draw bars 302, respectively,to apply a pulling force to separate the first and second halves offace-gear 62, 268. The operation of the coupler assembly 332 differsfrom that of the coupler assemblies 24, 224 in that a pushing force isapplied to the second clutch member 373, rather than a pulling force, toprovide separation between the first and second halves 374, 376 offace-gear 372. The clutch mechanism 370 includes a pair of push bars 398each adapted to apply a pushing force to the second clutch member 373 todrive the second clutch member 373 away from the first clutch member 371for separating the first and second halves 374, 376 of face-gear 372from each other.

Each of the push bars 398 includes an elongated body 400 and an arcuatethrust member 402 located adjacent an end of the body 400. The arcuatethrust member 402 is oriented substantially perpendicular to the body400 for contact with the body 380 of second clutch member 373, as shownin FIGS. 29 and 34. Each of the push bars 398 also includes a toolformation 404 at an end of the body 400 opposite the thrust member 402.The tool formation 404 defines a concavely-curved recess for contact bya tool adapted for applying a pushing force to the push bar 398.

The elongated body 400 of each of the push bars 398 is received in alongitudinally-extending groove 406 defined by the shaft 358. The groove406 has a length that allows for sliding of the push bar 398 within thegroove 406 to provide for movement of the second clutch member 373 ofclutch mechanism 370 to the opened condition for clutch mechanism 370,which is shown in FIGS. 35 and 36. As shown in FIG. 32, thecircumferential flange 360 of shaft 358 includes discontinuities toaccommodate the body 400 of each push bar 398. The body 400 of each pushbar 398 also defines a recess 408 to facilitate receipt of split-ringretainer 362 within circumferential notch 364 of shaft 358.

Referring to FIGS. 30 and 31, the first side 340 of coupler assembly 332is arranged such that the tool formations 404 of the push bars 398 arelocated adjacent the inner portion 346 of tube-end fitting 344 where theinner portion 346 is secured to bracket 366. As shown, an opening isdefined by the inner portion 346 of tube-end fitting 344 adjacent thetool formation 404 of each of the push bars 398 to provide for receiptby the push bar 398 of a tool adapted to apply a pushing force to thepush bar 398.

Referring to FIG. 37 through 39, the second side 342 of the couplerassembly 332 is shown in greater detail. The second side 342 includes atube-end fitting 408 having an inner portion 410, an outer portion 412,and a bearing 414 mounted between the inner and outer portions 410, 412to provide relative rotation between the inner and outer portions 410,412. The outer portion 412 is adapted to engage roller tube 336 totransfer rotation between the first side 340 of coupler assembly 332 androller tube 336. As shown in FIG. 37, the outer portion 412 preferablyincludes longitudinally-extending ribs 416 formed on the outer portion412. Similar to the ribs 354 on the outer portion 348 of first side 340,the ribs 416 on outer portion 412 are adapted for receipt bylongitudinally-extending grooves in the roller 336 for torque transferbetween the second side 342 and roller 336.

The inner portion 410 of the tube-end fitting 408 includes a hub 418defining a central opening that receives a shaft 420 of the second side342. The outer portion 412 of tube-end fitting 408 includes an end wall422 defining an opening that receives the shaft 420 of second side 342.As shown in FIG. 39, the shaft 420 includes lugs 423 adapted for receiptby the opening in end wall 422 to limit relative rotation between theshaft 420 and the outer portion 412 of tube-end fitting 408. Similar tothe inner portion 346 of first side 340, the inner portion 410 issecured to a mounting bracket 424 by fasteners 426 for support of thesecond side 342 of coupler assembly 332 from a support surface.

The second side 342 includes a washer 428 that contacts the innerportion 410 of the tube-end fitting 408 adjacent the hub 418. Asplit-ring retainer 430 adjacent washer 428 is received in acircumferential notch 432 formed in the shaft 420. A split-ring retainer434 is also received in a notch 436 formed in shaft 420 adjacent an endof the shaft 420 for contact with the end wall 422 of outer portion 412of tube-end fitting 408 for retaining the outer portion 412 on shaft420. The second side 342 includes a spring 438 located within aninterior defined by the outer portion 412 of tube-end fitting 408. Asshown in FIG. 37, the spring 438 is located between the end wall 422 ofouter portion 412 and the bearing 414. Arranged in this manner, thespring 438 functions to position the outer portion 412 with respect toshaft 420 (i.e., to urge the outer portion 412 into contact withretainer 434) and to position the inner portion 410 with respect toshaft 420 (i.e., to urge the inner portion 410 into contact with thewasher 428 via the intermediately located bearing 414).

As shown in FIGS. 37 and 39, the shaft 420 of second side 342 includes ahexagonally shaped end portion 440. The hexagonally shaped end portion440 is adapted for receipt by a hexagonally shaped socket opening 442defined by the shaft 358 of first side 340, which is shown in FIG. 31.The hexagonal shapes for the end portion 440 of shaft 420 and the socketopening 442 of shaft 358 is adapted to facilitate torque transferbetween the shafts 358, 420.

The foregoing describes the invention in terms of embodiments foreseenby the inventor for which an enabling description was available,notwithstanding that insubstantial modifications of the invention, notpresently foreseen, may nonetheless represent equivalents thereto.

1. A coupler assembly for coupling first and second roller tubestogether for simultaneous rotation of the roller tubes, the couplerassembly comprising: a first side assembly adapted to rotatingly supportthe first roller tube; and a second side assembly adapted to rotatinglysupport the second roller tube, each of the first side assembly and thesecond side assembly including a shaft, the shafts of the first andsecond side assemblies adapted for attachment to each other forsimultaneous rotation of the shafts, the first side assembly including aclutch mechanism movable between a closed clutch condition in which thefirst and second roller tubes are coupled for simultaneous rotation andan opened clutch condition in which the first and second roller tubesare uncoupled for relative rotation between the first and second rollertubes, the clutch mechanism including first and second clutch membersadapted to engage each other for torque transfer between the first andsecond clutch members when the clutch mechanism is in the closedcondition, the first clutch member rotationally coupled to the firstroller such that the first clutch member rotates with the first roller,the second clutch member rotationally coupled to the shaft such that thesecond clutch member rotates with the shaft, the clutch mechanismincluding a clutch drive member adapted to drive the second clutchmember axially with respect to the shaft when the clutch mechanism ismoved to the opened clutch condition such that the first and secondclutch members are separated from each other to provide for relativerotation between the first and second clutch members.
 2. The couplerassembly according to claim 1, wherein the clutch drive member comprisesan elongated bar adapted to slide along an exterior surface of the shaftof the first side assembly.
 3. The coupler assembly according to claim2, wherein the elongated bar of the clutch drive member is received inan elongated groove defined by the shaft of the first side assembly. 4.The coupler assembly according to claim 2, wherein the clutch drivemember is a first clutch drive member, the clutch mechanism furtherincluding a second clutch drive member located on an opposite side ofthe shaft of the first side assembly from the first clutch drive member.5. The coupler assembly according to claim 2, wherein the clutch drivemember includes a lug adjacent an end of the elongated bar, the lugadapted for receipt within an interior of the second clutch member forapplying a pulling force to the second clutch member to separate thesecond clutch member from the first clutch member.
 6. The couplerassembly according to claim 5, wherein the clutch drive member furtherincludes a tool formation adjacent an end of the elongated bar oppositethe lug, the tool formation defining an eyelet opening for receipt of atool adapted to apply a pulling force to the clutch drive member.
 7. Thecoupler assembly according to claim 2, wherein the clutch drive memberincludes a thrust member adjacent an end of the elongated bar, thethrust member adapted to contact a surface of the second clutch memberfor applying a pushing force to the second clutch member to separate thesecond clutch member from the first clutch member.
 8. The couplerassembly according to claim 7, wherein the clutch drive member furtherincludes a tool formation adjacent an end of the elongated bar oppositethe thrust member, the tool formation defining a concavely curvedsurface for receiving a tool adapted to apply a pushing force to theclutch drive member.
 9. The coupler assembly according to claim 1,wherein the clutch mechanism further includes a compression springreceived on the shaft and contacting the second clutch member to apply abiasing force to the second clutch member urging the second clutchmember towards the first clutch member.
 10. The coupler assemblyaccording to claim 1, wherein the shaft of the first side assemblyincludes at least one lug extending longitudinally with respect to theshaft, the lug on the shaft adapted for receipt by a groove defined inan interior of the second clutch member of the clutch mechanism to limitrelative rotation between the second clutch member and the shaft, thelug on the shaft of the first side assembly and the groove in theinterior of the second clutch member of the clutch mechanism adapted topermit axial sliding of the second clutch member with respect to theshaft for movement of the second clutch member between the closed clutchcondition and the opened clutch condition.
 11. The coupler assemblyaccording to claim 1, wherein the shaft of the first side assemblyincludes a circumferential flange adjacent a first side of the firstclutch member of the clutch mechanism, the clutch mechanism including aretainer received in a notch defined by the shaft adjacent an oppositesecond side of the first clutch member, the circumferential flange andthe retainer respectively adapted for contact with the first and secondsides of the first clutch member of the clutch mechanism to limit axialsliding of the first clutch member with respect to the shaft of thefirst side assembly.
 12. The coupler assembly according to claim 1,wherein the first and second clutch members of the clutch mechanism ofthe first side assembly respectively include first and second halves ofa face-gear, each of the first and second halves of the face-geardefining a plurality of teeth adapted for interfitting engagement withthe teeth of the other one of the first and second halves of theface-gear when the clutch mechanism is in the closed condition.
 13. Thecoupler assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first clutch memberof the clutch mechanism includes a plurality of tabs spaced about aperiphery of the first clutch member, the tabs adapted for engagementwith an inner surface of the first roller tube to transfer rotationbetween the first clutch member and the first roller tube.
 14. Thecoupler assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first side assemblyalso includes a tube-end fitting having inner and outer portions thatare rotatable with respect to each other, the inner portion of thetube-end fitting adapted for attachment to a fixed support member, theouter portion adapted for engagement with an inner surface of the firstroller tube to transfer rotation between the outer portion of thetube-end fitting and the first roller tube, and wherein the first clutchmember of the clutch mechanism is defined by an end wall of the outerportion of the tube-end fitting.
 15. The coupler assembly according toclaim 1, wherein the first and second roller tubes are adapted forwinding receipt of first and second flexible shade fabrics,respectively, each of the first and second flexible shade fabricsdefining a bottom edge, such that when the clutch mechanism is moved tothe opened clutch condition the first and second clutch members areseparated from each other to provide for relative rotation between thefirst and second clutch members, thereby providing for relativeadjustment of the bottom edges of the associated flexible shade fabrics.16. A shade roller system comprising: first and second elongated rollertubes each windingly supporting a flexible shade fabric, each of theflexible shade fabrics defining a bottom edge; and a tube supportassembly supporting the first and second roller tubes, the tube supportassembly rotatably mounted to a fixed support for rotation of the firstand second roller tubes about an axis of rotation, the tube supportassembly including a clutch mechanism having first and second clutchmembers, the first clutch member coupled to the first roller tube suchthat the first clutch member rotates with the first roller tube aboutthe axis of rotation, the clutch mechanism adapted for movement betweena closed clutch condition and an opened clutch condition, the first andsecond clutch members engaging each other in the closed clutch conditionfor torque transfer therebetween such that the first and second rollertubes are coupled together for simultaneous rotation about the axis ofrotation, the first and second clutch members disengaged from each otherin the opened clutch condition such that relative rotation between thefirst and second roller tubes is permitted, thereby providing forrelative adjustment of the bottom edges of the associated flexible shadefabrics.
 17. The shade roller system according to claim 16, wherein thetube support assembly includes a shaft supported for rotation about theaxis of rotation, each of the first and second clutch members of theclutch mechanism defining an opening in which the shaft is received, andwherein the second clutch member slides axially along the shaft todisengage the second clutch member from the first clutch member when theclutch mechanism is moved to the opened clutch condition.
 18. The shaderoller system according to claim 17, wherein the clutch mechanismincludes a clutch drive member contacting the second clutch member todrive the second clutch member between the closed and opened conditionsof the clutch mechanism, the clutch drive member including an elongatedbar adapted to slide with respect to the shaft of the tube supportassembly.
 19. The shade roller system according to claim 18, wherein thebar of the clutch drive member is received in an elongated groovedefined on an exterior surface of the shaft.
 20. The shade roller systemaccording to claim 18, wherein the clutch drive member includes a lugadjacent an end of the elongated bar, the lug adapted for receipt withinan interior of the second clutch member for applying a pulling force tothe second clutch member to separate the second clutch member from thefirst clutch member.
 21. The shade roller system according to claim 20,wherein the clutch drive member further includes a tool formationadjacent an end of the elongated bar opposite the lug, the toolformation defining an eyelet opening for receipt of a tool adapted toapply a pulling force to the clutch drive member.
 22. The shade rollersystem according to claim 18, wherein the clutch drive member includes athrust member adjacent an end of the elongated bar, the thrust memberadapted to contact a surface of the second clutch member for applying apushing force to the second clutch member to separate the second clutchmember from the first clutch member.
 23. The shade roller systemaccording to claim 22, wherein the clutch drive member further includesa tool formation adjacent an end of the elongated bar opposite thethrust member, the tool formation defining a concavely curved surfacefor receiving a tool adapted to apply a pushing force to the clutchdrive member.
 24. The shade roller system according to claim 16, whereinthe clutch mechanism further includes a compression spring received onthe shaft and contacting the second clutch member to apply a biasingforce to the second clutch member urging the second clutch membertowards the first clutch member.
 25. The shade roller system accordingto claim 16, wherein the tube support assembly includes first and seconddrive transfer members respectively adapted to engage an inner surfaceof the first and second roller tubes, each of the drive transfer membersincluding a plurality of flexible tabs located about a periphery of thedrive transfer members.
 26. A motorized shade system comprising: aplurality of elongated roller tubes each having opposite end portions,the roller tubes substantially aligned along a common axis of rotationand arranged to define at least one pair of adjacently located tube endportions, each of the roller tubes adapted for winding receipt of aflexible shade fabric, each of the flexible shade fabrics defining abottom edge; and a mounting assembly for each pair of tube end portions,the mounting assembly including first and second tube support assembliesrespectively engaging a first tube end portion and a second tube endportion of the pair of tube end portions and adapted to rotatablysupport the tube end portion, the first and second tube supportassemblies secured together to provide for simultaneous rotation of theassociated roller tubes, the first tube support assembly of eachmounting assembly including a clutch mechanism having first and secondclutch members and adapted for movement between a closed clutchcondition and an opened clutch condition, the first and second clutchmembers adapted to engage each other for torque transfer therebetweenwhen the clutch mechanism is in the closed condition, the first clutchmember rotationally coupled to the first tube end portion such that thefirst clutch member rotates with the first roller, the second clutchmember rotationally coupled to a shaft of the first tube supportassembly such that the second clutch member rotates with the shaft, theclutch mechanism including a clutch drive member adapted to drive thesecond clutch member axially with respect to the shaft of the first tubeassembly when the clutch mechanism is moved to the opened clutchcondition such that the first and second are separated from each otherto provide for relative rotation between the first and second clutchmembers, thereby providing for relative adjustment of the bottom edgesof the associated flexible shade fabrics.
 27. The motorized shade systemaccording to claim 26, wherein the clutch drive member comprises anelongated bar adapted to slide along an exterior surface of the shaft ofthe first side assembly.
 28. The motorized shade system according toclaim 27, wherein the elongated bar of the clutch drive member isreceived in an elongated groove defined by the shaft of the first sideassembly.
 29. The motorized shade system according to claim 27, whereinthe clutch drive member is a first clutch drive member, the clutchmechanism further including a second clutch drive member located on anopposite side of the shaft of the first side assembly from the firstclutch drive member.
 30. The motorized shade system according to claim27, wherein the clutch drive member includes a lug adjacent an end ofthe elongated bar, the lug adapted for receipt within an interior of thesecond clutch member for applying a pulling force to the second clutchmember to separate the second clutch member from the first clutchmember.
 31. The motorized shade system according to claim 30, whereinthe clutch drive member further includes a tool formation adjacent anend of the elongated bar opposite the lug, the tool formation definingan eyelet opening for receipt of a tool adapted to apply a pulling forceto the clutch drive member.
 32. The motorized shade system according toclaim 27, wherein the clutch drive member includes a thrust memberadjacent an end of the elongated bar, the thrust member adapted tocontact a surface of the second clutch member for applying a pushingforce to the second clutch member to separate the second clutch memberfrom the first clutch member.
 33. The motorized shade system accordingto claim 32, wherein the clutch drive member further includes a toolformation adjacent an end of the elongated bar opposite the thrustmember, the tool formation defining a concavely curved surface forreceiving a tool adapted to apply a pushing force to the clutch drivemember.
 34. The motorized shade system according to claim 26 furthercomprising a drive system including a motor operably engaged with one ofthe roller tubes for rotating the roller tube about the common axis ofrotation.